Catie McLeod's feature on Jim Hogan and his extraordinary commitment to his beloved mother Margaret during her final years was particularly powerful.

When Margaret was diagnosed with dementia in 2004, Jim made the choice to quit his job in Sydney and move back to his hometown of Wagga to care for her.

For 15 years, until her passing at the age of 96 last October, Jim was Margaret's primary carer, allowing her the option of staying at home.

It was a big sacrifice, but one Jim does not regret for a second.

Why did he do it? "Because she was a fantastic mother. That's why ... because she loved us. She loved me," he said.

As I'm sure most of you know only too well, there are no easy decisions when it comes to an ageing parent or grandparent.

From sitting them down to have "the talk" about the need to give up their licence for the safety of themselves and others, to discussing assisted living options, these are some of the most difficult conversations a family will ever have.

Not everyone will be in a position to make the kind of sacrifice that Jim did, but he wanted people to know how profoundly satisfying he found the experience in the hope it would encourage more people to consider caring for an ageing parent at home.

Meanwhile, if you haven't caught up with the latest in our Behind the Byline series, you can get to know our politics and data reporter Rex Martinich here, and our education and history reporter Emma Horn here.

All the best for the week ahead,

Ross Tyson, editor